CHAPTER I

A REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (JANUARY 1901-JULY 1914)

In this war Democracy is fighting for its existence 181 Against highly organised materialism 183 The opening of the twentieth century 186 Spirit of constitutional change 188 Disappearance of great figures from the scene 189 Change in character of the House of Commons 192 Dearth of leadership 194 Consequent demoralisation of parties 195 And widespread anxiety 196 Pre-eminence of Mr. Asquith 197 His Parliamentary supremacy 198 His maxim--_wait-and-see_ 199 Character of his oratory 199 Increasing prominence of lawyers in politics 200 Their influence on Parliamentary institutions and national policy 201 Mr. Asquith's limitations 203